A SWAN which was close to death after being shot with an air rifle has made a miraculous recovery and has now been released back into the wild.

There was outcry last month when the Yorkshire Swan & Wildlife Rescue Hospital, which is based in York, released heartbreaking images of the injured bird.

It had been rescued from the Leeds-Liverpool Canal in Shipley just before the New Year.

Swan found injured by canal in Shipley was 'shot with an air rifle'

Now after five weeks of treatment, the majestic bird has regained its health and is back in its natural environment.

Dan Sidley, founder of the wildlife sanctuary, said: “I thought the bird was going to die when we first rescued it.

“It was in such a poor state - it was very weak, in a lot of pain and it had lost a lot of blood.

“Shock in wildlife is a killer in itself.”

Mr Sidley added: “I was not very hopeful quite honestly when the bird arrived.”

But as the swan began to receive treatment, she began to regain strength and weight, managing to pull through the horrific ordeal and go outside once more.

Mr Sidley said it was clear from the X-ray that the bird had been shot with an air rifle.

“It was done only a few hours before her rescue,” he said.

“It’s hard to comprehend why anybody would want to deliberately harm a swan in that way,” adding that it was a concern that somebody like that could go on to harm a pet or even a human being.

He said the fact that swans are big and visible on the water makes them a target.

Sharing before and after photographs of the swan, the rescue hospital said it was difficult to believe it was the same animal.

The swan has now been ringed, which means its progress can be monitored now it is back in the wild.

Mr Sidley said: “That’s a really important part of our work.

“It’s really nice as some of the ones we have rescued have gone on to have mates and have cygnets of their own.”

Sharing pictures of the swan being released back into the wild, the hospital said: “Our deepest thanks and gratitude to all involved who made this possible, particularly to Wildlife Crime Officer PCSO Leahy from West Yorkshire Police, who joined us for the release of the bird.

“Anyone with information concerning the shooting of this swan is urged to contact West Yorkshire Police - Wildlife & Rural Crime quoting crime number 13190012778.”

Following the incident, the RSPCA issued a statement reminding people that under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is illegal to take, injure or kill wild birds or interfere with their nest or eggs, unless under licence.

The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or a £5,000 fine.